The Wildernest Guidebook
Food scene
Gourmet pizzas that are scrumptious!
13 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Fratelli Pizza Restaurant & Bar II
5762 New York 86Gourmet pizzas that are scrumptious!
You can get just about everything here! Good sandwiches and pizza. We love the salads both green and the delis salads in the refrigerator case. There is a beer cave in the back.
They have a little bit of everything!
A friendly and convenient place to get things.
37 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Little Super Market
2505 5794 NY-86You can get just about everything here! Good sandwiches and pizza. We love the salads both green and the delis salads in the refrigerator case. There is a beer cave in the back.
They have a little bit of everything!
A friendly and convenient place to get things.
Excellent place for breakfast, but not a big place and it is packed during peak times.
Get the French Toast!!!
25 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Country Bear
5830 NY-86Excellent place for breakfast, but not a big place and it is packed during peak times.
Get the French Toast!!!
Ice Cream! What else do we need to say???
11 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Whitebrook Dairy Bar
5660 NY-86 ScenicIce Cream! What else do we need to say???
Excellent restaurant, with fabulous food and wonderful views.
37 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
The Hungry Trout Resort
5239 NY-86 ScenicExcellent restaurant, with fabulous food and wonderful views.
A favorite place of ours. Part of the Hungry Trout, but more informal. Great pub food! Dine inside or out on the deck.
35 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
R.F McDougalls Pub
5239 NY-86A favorite place of ours. Part of the Hungry Trout, but more informal. Great pub food! Dine inside or out on the deck.
This place has a more contemporary feel. There is sometimes live music.
41 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Pourman's Taphouse
8 Whiteface Memorial HwyThis place has a more contemporary feel. There is sometimes live music.
What can we say??? Fabulous food at great prices. Friendly wait staff. On the weekends there is usually a line. Get here early or prepare to wait. It is well worth it!
48 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Adirondack Mountain Coffee Cafe
8 Artos WayWhat can we say??? Fabulous food at great prices. Friendly wait staff. On the weekends there is usually a line. Get here early or prepare to wait. It is well worth it!
City/town information
Wilmington is a small town with a different pace then most of the surrounding towns. We love the fact that we aren't fighting traffic and that we are in the middle of the woods in the Adirondacks. Whether you are hiking, skiing, fishing, swimming, or just looking to sit and look at the scenery, you cannot go wrong here!
26 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Wilmington
Wilmington is a small town with a different pace then most of the surrounding towns. We love the fact that we aren't fighting traffic and that we are in the middle of the woods in the Adirondacks. Whether you are hiking, skiing, fishing, swimming, or just looking to sit and look at the scenery, you cannot go wrong here!
Busy busy busy. Filled with lots of shops and restaurants, with the lovely Mirror Lake in the background.
257 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Lake Placid
Busy busy busy. Filled with lots of shops and restaurants, with the lovely Mirror Lake in the background.
Places to visit
Whiteface Mountain
Whiteface Memorial HighwaySkiing, views...
Ausable River
A great little town with some fine restaurants. Keene Valley: Home Of The Adirondack High Peaks
Keene Valley SignWith the greatest number of high peaks in one region, Keene Valley is appropriately known as "The Home of the High Peaks." The town is surrounded by some of the most majestic and highest mountains east of the Rockies.
It is just a short drive from Keene Valley to the Tri-Lakes communities - Lake Placid, Saranac Lake and Tupper Lake - to the west, the Ausable Valley communities to the north, and the Lake Champlain communities to the east!
Escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and just enjoy the wild and unspoiled charms of nature when you visit Keene Valley.
A climber's paradise (rock and ice) lies on either side of Route 73. The famous "Beer Walls" , also known as Chapel Pond Canyon, are only a short walk from Chapel Pond. Many of the climbing routes are named after beer-related terms like Frosted Mug and Seven Ounces.
The mountains are honeycombed with hiking trails that range from rugged, sometimes multi-day trips (such as Mount Marcy, New York's highest peak) to easy, family friendly ones (such as the Base of Roaring Brook Falls, on the Giant Mountain trail).
Throughout the High Peaks Wilderness, an estimated 72 different lean-tos are available.
When the rugged adventures are over for the day, Keene Valley offers relaxation, restoration, and comfort at its unique restaurants and shops. Enjoy this year round Adirondack destination!
29 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Keene Valley
A great little town with some fine restaurants. Keene Valley: Home Of The Adirondack High Peaks
Keene Valley SignWith the greatest number of high peaks in one region, Keene Valley is appropriately known as "The Home of the High Peaks." The town is surrounded by some of the most majestic and highest mountains east of the Rockies.
It is just a short drive from Keene Valley to the Tri-Lakes communities - Lake Placid, Saranac Lake and Tupper Lake - to the west, the Ausable Valley communities to the north, and the Lake Champlain communities to the east!
Escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and just enjoy the wild and unspoiled charms of nature when you visit Keene Valley.
A climber's paradise (rock and ice) lies on either side of Route 73. The famous "Beer Walls" , also known as Chapel Pond Canyon, are only a short walk from Chapel Pond. Many of the climbing routes are named after beer-related terms like Frosted Mug and Seven Ounces.
The mountains are honeycombed with hiking trails that range from rugged, sometimes multi-day trips (such as Mount Marcy, New York's highest peak) to easy, family friendly ones (such as the Base of Roaring Brook Falls, on the Giant Mountain trail).
Throughout the High Peaks Wilderness, an estimated 72 different lean-tos are available.
When the rugged adventures are over for the day, Keene Valley offers relaxation, restoration, and comfort at its unique restaurants and shops. Enjoy this year round Adirondack destination!
Situated in northeastern New York State, the Ausable River watershed covers 512 square miles, includes 94 miles of river channel, and is fed by more than 70 streams, including its two major tributaries, the Chubb River and Black Brook. Seven towns, eight hamlets, and one incorporated village are located in the watershed, which covers portions of two counties. Except for a small area at the river's mouth on Lake Champlain, the entire watershed is located within the boundaries of the six-million-acre Adirondack Park.
The river includes three major sections: the East Branch, the West Branch, and the Main Stem. The headwaters of the East and West Branches are nestled some 4,000 feet above sea level in the High Peaks of the Adirondack Mountains, on the southeast and northwest shoulders, respectively, of Mount Marcy, the state's highest peak. The East and West Branches might be seen as two separate rivers, until they join forces at Au Sable Forks. Like their source tributaries, they traverse mountainous terrain to meet in this hamlet that was the focus of local industry for a century and a half. Their confluence has many features of a river mouth, including considerable sediment deposition. From there, the river's Main Stem meanders through gently sloping lowlands before tumbling through the spectacular bedrock gorge of Ausable Chasm and entering Lake Champlain 100 feet above sea level. This rapid descent from its headwaters to the lake makes the Ausable the second steepest river in New York State—second only to its shorter neighbor to the southeast, the Boquet, which also drains the High Peaks into Lake Champlain. At its mouth, the Ausable forms a sandy delta that led French explorers to name it the "sandy river," or "river of sand." From Lake Champlain, its waters drain into the Richelieu River, joining the Saint Lawrence and flowing northeast into the Atlantic Ocean.
The watershed contains many ecologically rich environments with vibrant human histories. Home to over 20,000 people, it is largely rural in character with its population concentrated in small communities in the downstream portions of the river. Upstream, the Ausable's two branches flow through protected forestlands that are part of the New York State Forest Preserve. For over 200 years, people have relied on the river as an economic resource even as they have valued its wild beauty and recreational value. But our reliance on the river has taken its toll on the river's structure and sustainability. What may seem to casual viewers a pristine river without industry is still shaped by the legacy of past industrial activity. So is local infrastructure. Settlements hug the river and often sit in or block its access to the floodplain, as do many roads. As a consequence, the management tools used to maintain roads, to plan residential development, and to deal with stormwater and wastewater, all have direct impacts on the river.
But just as human activity creates challenges for the Ausable's sustainability, your actions can help protect the watershed you live, work, and play in. Throughout this website we'll detail the challenges facing the river and watershed and show you the pathways to restoring the river's balance, protecting its water quality, and ensuring the river remains the vibrant center of our regional economy.
Ausable River Association
1181 Haselton RdSituated in northeastern New York State, the Ausable River watershed covers 512 square miles, includes 94 miles of river channel, and is fed by more than 70 streams, including its two major tributaries, the Chubb River and Black Brook. Seven towns, eight hamlets, and one incorporated village are located in the watershed, which covers portions of two counties. Except for a small area at the river's mouth on Lake Champlain, the entire watershed is located within the boundaries of the six-million-acre Adirondack Park.
The river includes three major sections: the East Branch, the West Branch, and the Main Stem. The headwaters of the East and West Branches are nestled some 4,000 feet above sea level in the High Peaks of the Adirondack Mountains, on the southeast and northwest shoulders, respectively, of Mount Marcy, the state's highest peak. The East and West Branches might be seen as two separate rivers, until they join forces at Au Sable Forks. Like their source tributaries, they traverse mountainous terrain to meet in this hamlet that was the focus of local industry for a century and a half. Their confluence has many features of a river mouth, including considerable sediment deposition. From there, the river's Main Stem meanders through gently sloping lowlands before tumbling through the spectacular bedrock gorge of Ausable Chasm and entering Lake Champlain 100 feet above sea level. This rapid descent from its headwaters to the lake makes the Ausable the second steepest river in New York State—second only to its shorter neighbor to the southeast, the Boquet, which also drains the High Peaks into Lake Champlain. At its mouth, the Ausable forms a sandy delta that led French explorers to name it the "sandy river," or "river of sand." From Lake Champlain, its waters drain into the Richelieu River, joining the Saint Lawrence and flowing northeast into the Atlantic Ocean.
The watershed contains many ecologically rich environments with vibrant human histories. Home to over 20,000 people, it is largely rural in character with its population concentrated in small communities in the downstream portions of the river. Upstream, the Ausable's two branches flow through protected forestlands that are part of the New York State Forest Preserve. For over 200 years, people have relied on the river as an economic resource even as they have valued its wild beauty and recreational value. But our reliance on the river has taken its toll on the river's structure and sustainability. What may seem to casual viewers a pristine river without industry is still shaped by the legacy of past industrial activity. So is local infrastructure. Settlements hug the river and often sit in or block its access to the floodplain, as do many roads. As a consequence, the management tools used to maintain roads, to plan residential development, and to deal with stormwater and wastewater, all have direct impacts on the river.
But just as human activity creates challenges for the Ausable's sustainability, your actions can help protect the watershed you live, work, and play in. Throughout this website we'll detail the challenges facing the river and watershed and show you the pathways to restoring the river's balance, protecting its water quality, and ensuring the river remains the vibrant center of our regional economy.
Hiking
https://pureadirondacks.com/blogs/adirondack-hiking/flume-trail-system
11 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
The Flume Trail System
https://pureadirondacks.com/blogs/adirondack-hiking/flume-trail-system
High Falls Gorge is a 22 acre, privately owned nature park. We provide safe trail access for all ages to an otherwise inaccessible area, with four splendid Adirondack waterfalls cascading over rocks into a deep crevice carved a billion years ago. In the shadow of Whiteface Mountain, you can take a nature walk to view the famous AuSable River as it cascades over ancient granite cliffs.
Sturdy bridges, walkways and groomed walking trails provide safe access to breathtaking Adirondack views and scenic photographic vantage points.
JUST A SHORT DRIVE FROM LAKE PLACID, NY AND ONLY ONE MILE FROM WHITEFACE MOUNTAIN SKI RESORT. YOU WILL ENJOY:
Two glass floor walkways (summer season only)
Self-guided tours, nature and walking trails
Our Adirondack gift shop & restaurant café
Summer and Winter seasons for 2 completely different experiences
Snowshoeing (winter season only)
Wheelchair access in part
102 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
High Falls Gorge
4761 NY-86High Falls Gorge is a 22 acre, privately owned nature park. We provide safe trail access for all ages to an otherwise inaccessible area, with four splendid Adirondack waterfalls cascading over rocks into a deep crevice carved a billion years ago. In the shadow of Whiteface Mountain, you can take a nature walk to view the famous AuSable River as it cascades over ancient granite cliffs.
Sturdy bridges, walkways and groomed walking trails provide safe access to breathtaking Adirondack views and scenic photographic vantage points.
JUST A SHORT DRIVE FROM LAKE PLACID, NY AND ONLY ONE MILE FROM WHITEFACE MOUNTAIN SKI RESORT. YOU WILL ENJOY:
Two glass floor walkways (summer season only)
Self-guided tours, nature and walking trails
Our Adirondack gift shop & restaurant café
Summer and Winter seasons for 2 completely different experiences
Snowshoeing (winter season only)
Wheelchair access in part
They have detailed info at this website of many trails in the area!
https://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/92136.html
11 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
The Flume Trail System
They have detailed info at this website of many trails in the area!
https://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/92136.html
Fishing & Hiking
Copperas Pond is a great short hike for anyone. The trailhead is located between Wilmington and Lake Placid. From Route 86, it's about a 0.5-mile climb to the pond. Once you reach the pond, you can go in either direction along the side of it. If you go right, you shortly come across a nice lean-to with a fireplace and a view of the pond. This makes for a nice spot to camp for the evening. If you go in the other direction around the pond, you pass another campsite and a few lookout spots. As you continue, you eventually cross a wooden footbridge that leads to the opposite side of the pond. On a clear day, there are views of Whiteface Mountain from the eastern side.
9 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Copperas Pond
Copperas Pond is a great short hike for anyone. The trailhead is located between Wilmington and Lake Placid. From Route 86, it's about a 0.5-mile climb to the pond. Once you reach the pond, you can go in either direction along the side of it. If you go right, you shortly come across a nice lean-to with a fireplace and a view of the pond. This makes for a nice spot to camp for the evening. If you go in the other direction around the pond, you pass another campsite and a few lookout spots. As you continue, you eventually cross a wooden footbridge that leads to the opposite side of the pond. On a clear day, there are views of Whiteface Mountain from the eastern side.
Sightseeing
A fifteen-minute ride gliding through the air in the awe-inspiring natural beauty of the Adirondack Mountain range, the Cloudsplitter Gondola Ride transports visitors from the base of Whiteface Mountain to the peak of Little Whiteface. At the peak itself, look around and you’ll find yourself surrounded by Lake Placid and Lake Placid Village, Lake Champlain and some of the most massive peaks in all of New York State. Not a bad way to start your day at Whiteface Mountain!
https://whiteface.com/lift/cloudsplitter-gondola-ride/
6 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Cloudsplitter Gondola
5021 NY-86A fifteen-minute ride gliding through the air in the awe-inspiring natural beauty of the Adirondack Mountain range, the Cloudsplitter Gondola Ride transports visitors from the base of Whiteface Mountain to the peak of Little Whiteface. At the peak itself, look around and you’ll find yourself surrounded by Lake Placid and Lake Placid Village, Lake Champlain and some of the most massive peaks in all of New York State. Not a bad way to start your day at Whiteface Mountain!
https://whiteface.com/lift/cloudsplitter-gondola-ride/
They have a virtual exhibit if you cannot get there!
https://lakeplacidolympicsites.com/todo/lake-placid-olympic-museum/
44 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Lake Placid Olympic Museum
2634 Main StThey have a virtual exhibit if you cannot get there!
https://lakeplacidolympicsites.com/todo/lake-placid-olympic-museum/
Consejos para la ciudad
Qué debes empacar
Be prepared!
The weather in the Adirondacks can be unpredictable, so come prepared.
During the summer make sure that you can layer your clothes if it gets chilly and pack that sweater or sweat shirt even if you think you won't need it. Pack walking/closed shoes with your sandals in case of rain!
In the spring, you will need gloves and jackets occasionally.
And for fall and winter... gloves, hats, scarves, etc. My husband was born and raised in Lake Placid and has seen snow every month of the year!
Cell phones take nice photographs, but if you have a camera be sure to pack it!